Delays Expected as Mandatory Online Service to Launch
April 19, 2018
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At a Glance
The Nigerian Ministry of Interior will be launching a mandatory online service on May 7 which may delay the issuance of several permit types processed by the Ministry once the service is launched. Additionally, employers will be required to obtain online application numbers and verification codes to use the online process.
The situation
Effective May 7, 2018, the Nigerian Ministry of Interior will be launching a mandatory online service to enhance the processing of applications by the Ministry of Interior. The service will change the application process for the permit types processed by the Ministry.
Affected processes
The online system will affect the following immigration processes:
- Business Permit applications (foreign and joint venture companies seeking to participate in business activities in Nigeria);
- Establishment Grant (non-governmental organizations, state governments or other public offices seeking to send foreign workers to Nigeria);
- Expatriate Quotas (new and renewal quota requests and all other quota-related processes including Quota Re-validation, Quota Upgrade to PUR, Quota Re-designation, Quota Withdrawal, Quota Renewal, Stay of Action, Monthly Quota Returns); and
- Citizenship processes.
Impact for employers
Employers should file applications for affected permit types, particularly Expatriate Quota applications, far in advance, due to the potential processing delays once the online system is launched.
Background
Until the launch of the new system, applications for the above-mentioned permits can only be submitted in hard copy.
Looking ahead
The Ministry of Interior has not yet published details on the new steps required for the online process. Fragomen will provide more information on the new process steps and their impact once the website has launched.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
